“ Just as our chassis-based Remote Access Server (RAS) product has become
one of our most successful product lines to date, we know the demand for
these enterprise Remote Access Server (RAS) products will continue to be
supported, enhanced, and grown to further establish Patton as the premier
Network Access equipment provider” said Burt A. Patton, Patton’s Executive
Vice President.

As both PCs and
network operating systems have become more powerful and stable, PC servers
have been taking over the tasks formerly performed by proprietary standalone
boxes. PC servers now efficiently handle remote communications and routing,
perform as Internet and fax gateways, and are beginning to take on unified
communication tasks as well. Essential to server-based communications
solutions are reliable, standards-based communication adapters. Digi
International, maker of the industry DigiBoard®, has been producing the
leading communication adapters since PC servers first began shipping.
Through long-standing partnerships with joint development efforts with
industry leaders such as Compaq, IBM, Microsoft and Novell, Digi products
have gained a reputation for compatibility, performance and reliability that
is unmatched.

The Digi
DataFire® Family of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) based RAS (Remote Access
Server) concentrator adapters provides the widest compatibility and most
powerful performance available in a PCI or CompactPCI slot. For demanding,
server-based applications including modem-pooling, remote access, advanced
fax, World Wide Web and branch office internetworking, you won't find a
better product line than DataFire.

The Digi
DataFire RAS concentrator adapters support from 8 to 60 channels in a single
PCI or CompactPCI slot, and most can be field-upgraded with additional
channels as needed. Digi DataFire adapters support a full range of
connections, from low density analog modem, to medium density Basic Rate
Interface (BRI) ISDN, to high density T1/E1 and Primary Rate Interface (PRI)
ISDN. Multiple DataFire adapters can be installed in a single server so
capability can be added as system needs grow.

Advanced
DSPs Support V.90 Modem, ISDN, and Advanced Fax Communications
The dense modem technology built into DataFire adapters is based on high
performance Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). On-board DSPs provide advanced
modem and fax support and maximize the efficiency of each communications
channel. Each DataFire channel operates independently and configures itself
dynamically for analog (up to V.90 or K56flex) or digital (ISDN B-channel)
support. This ensures smooth, remote connections regardless of whether
callers are using analog modems or ISDN devices.

Universal
Server Compliance Ensures Compatibility with All Leading PCs
All DataFire models operate within the PCI 2.1 mechanical and electrical
specifications, support 3.3-or 5-volt PCI and CompactPCI servers, and share
a common software architecture. These features ensure compatibility with a
wide variety of PCs and application software, enhance reliability, and
facilitate support. DSP-based DataFire adapters also share a common software
architecture with Digi AccelePort® DSP-based multi-modem adapters for the
ultimate flexibility in system design.

Scalable,
Modular Design and Field Upgrades Protect Your Investment
The great advantage of Digi DataFire server-based solutions is the ability
to grow and expand as your needs change, whereas standalone communications
solutions must be replaced in order to accommodate system changes. Most Digi
DataFire adapters can be field upgraded with additional communication
channels as needed. Both BRI ISDN and T1/E1 or PRI/ISDN adapters can reside
in the same server to provide exactly the types of connections your network
requires. And, adapters can easily be upgraded or swapped in and out of the
server as technology changes. DataFire provides complete design flexibility.

O/S
Integration and Use of Standard APIs Facilitate System Installation and
Maintenance
Digi DataFire adapters integrate with, and take advantage of, the inherent
communication capabilities already built-in to you server operating
environment, And, unlike some competitive products that use proprietary APIs
(application programming interfaces), DataFire drivers are written to
standard APIs and are enhanced with Digi's PortAssist® management software.
Use of standard APIs means that installation and management of your ports is
completely familiar and intuitive to network administrators. IT managers can
continue to use the same management systems and administrative tools they
know and trust. And, users can continue to use the same remote access
resources they're accustomed to since the DataFire Family of RAS
concentrators offers full modem coverage. The DataFire product line is a
natural extension of your existing network and does not require
administrator or user training, or a substantial investment to add
capabilities such as remote access or fax connectivity.

Advanced
Application Support for Freedom of Choice
Software products for communication applications, management, and
performance enhancement are available from a wide variety of developers. The
DataFire adapters are designed and tested to ensure compatibility with
leading application software. Up-to-date compatibility testing information
can be found on Digi's Web site in the "industry alliances" section.

Quality
and Reliability
The Digi RAS concentrator adapters meet Digi International design and
manufacturing standards including ISO 9001 certification, and are backed by
a five-year warranty. All DataFire DSP-based RAS concentrators are designed
to be the only communications adapters you'll ever need.